Once Niche now normal, pENNY mCCormick selects luxury pup friendly accommodation in Ireland …
Constant adulation and living in five star luxury: nice gig if you can get it! For Pearl, the resident Labrador at Rosewood London, it’s her day job. She has been lapping up attention since she arrived as a puppy in 2013, just one of many trendsetting hotel dogs.
Such is the appeal of a photogenic pooch for guests. Fairmont Hotels have made a hotel dog official company policy – several properties in the group now have pet ambassadors, not to mention canine concierges and pet members clubs. As a breed, Labradors are popular choices as are St Bernards, particularly in alpine resorts such as Four Seasons Megève, where you’ll find Nemo.
Many properties in Ireland’s Blue Book are dog-friendly. Jasper and Ziggy, two perky Jack Russells, welcome guests at Marlfield House Hotel, Gorey, Co Wexford. Tyson, an elderly black Labrador, has the enviable home of Roselague Manor House Hotel, Letterfrack, Connemara, set in 30 acres of secluded woodland overlooking Ballinakill Bay. At Tankardstown House, Co Meath, Bruce, a handsome bulldog, is always eager to greet new four-legged friends checking into one of the Courtyard Cottage Suits.
The increasing number of pet-friendly hotels in Ireland reflects global trends. Surveys by hotels.com noted a 300 per cent increase in searches for pet-friendly hotels in recent months. The rise in dog ownership prompted by the pandemic is undoubtedly a factor, as is the increasing cost of daycare. Fortunately, there is accommodation to suit the most discerning of pets, as well as most budgets, from chic boutique hotels to country manor houses and snug cabins. My first port of call when looking for quirky dog-friendly properties has always been the Irish Landmark Trust (Salterbridge Gatelodge, Co Waterford looks cosy), while Hidden Ireland also has an interesting portfolio of posh guesthouses such as Roundwood House, Co Laois; www.hiddenireland.com.
Don’t forget to check the small print before you arrive. As a rule, dogs over 20kg are rarely welcomed. Do you have valid pet documentation? Some hotels, such as The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland requires dogs to have vaccination certificates and dog registration forms. In most cases, there is no need to overpack beyond special dietary requirements (my terrierpoo Jamie insists on M&S chicken with his organic nuts and Greek yoghurt!). Most hotels will provide bedding, blankets, bowls and food. Do ask about any additional supplements, which incorporate extra cleaning charges; these can vary from €10 to €100 per night. Finally, it goes without saying that pets need to mind their manners – night-time barking is a no-go. Devoted owners should also bear in mind that fellow guests or staff may be allergic to or anxious (from a health and safety perspective) about sharing communal areas with a dog, no matter how cute or big an Instagram star they happen to be.
POSH DOGS WILL LOVE THESE MINI BREAKS
Well-behaved pets are welcome at The Mustard Seed, Co Limerick for its “Just Pawfect” two-night getaway. Accommodation options include an elegant Mews apartment or deluxe suite with access to the outside without having to go through the hotel reception areas. With beautiful grounds, an orchard, kitchen garden and inspiring interiors, this is an idyllic hideaway. Dogs can sit with owners during meals. From €250 per person; www.mustardseed.ie.
At Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, Co Kerry, VIPs (very important pooches) get a welcome Doggie Bag which includes a toy, a treat and clean-up bags, while their owners are given a handy map of dog-friendly walks in Killarney National Park. The hotel’s Pet Concierge can provide details and discounts on local dog walkers, sitters, groomers, dog boutiques and vets. From €229 per night; www.muckrosspark.com
Lost Cottage in Glenbeigh, Co Kerry is paradise found, if your idea of paradise is a pared-back, self-catering bolthole for an outdoorsy break or watching the dramatic cloudscapes over Caragh Lake. Set in the International Dark Sky Reserve, pets have plenty of scope for exploring the Kerry Way or Dooks beach nearby. It may be remote, but it has lots of little luxuries for you (Netflix, welcome hampers, gas barbecues, a well stocked larder, recipe books) and your dogs (treats, beds, towels). From £1,595 per week with an additional supplement of £60 per week for pets (up to two dogs); www.uniquehomestays.com.
Lost Cottage, Glenbeigh, Co Kerry; www.uniquehomestays.com.
In Dublin, The Dylan has some pet-friendly rooms which can be set up with a pet bed, food, water bowl and treats. The hotel will also arrange for dog walkers, pet spas (off-property) and veterinary care during a stay. Rooms typically from €320, with a pet fee of €100 per night; www.dylan.ie.
The Morgan’s “Puppy Love” package includes welcome treats, food and water bowls, floor mats and a deluxe dog bed. There is also an in-room doggy dining menu (from 7am-10pm) with tempting entrées such as the meat feast, the dog’s dinner as well as the canine sundae and bedtime biscuits. Outside, there’s a pet-friendly outdoor heated courtyard; www.themorgan.com.
The Morgan, Dublin; www.themorgan.com.
In Cork, the “Paws & Unwind” offer at The Kingsley includes an overnight stay and breakfast for two in the hotel’s outdoor dining area overlooking the River Lee. From €215 per night; www.thekingsley.ie.
For dogs who love wild swimming, The Twelve in Galway is ideally placed – the sea is two minutes from the door. Prices start from €140 per night for owners and their pets, who have a goody bag full of treats, toys and essentials on check in; www.thetwelvehotel.ie.
The Deerpark Shepherd Huts scattered around the estate at Virginia Park Lodge, Co Cavan are self-catering cabins (open all year round) costing €200 per night with no extra charge for a dog. Guests can pre-order a welcome hamper and of course enjoy dinner by Chef Corrigan at the Lodge; www.virginiaparklodge.com.
Deerpark Shepherd Hut, Virginia Park Lodge, Co Cavan; www.virginiaparklodge.com.
Great for beach strolls, the “Sandy Paws” offer at Cliff House Hotel, overlooking Ardmore, Co Waterford starts from €654 per night for two people plus one dog guest with breakfast; www.cliffhousehotel.ie.
The Old Inn, in the village of Crawfordsburn, Co Antrim, has as a history dating back to 1614. Guests can peruse the artefacts (CS Lewis was a regular guest) then take their dogs for coastal walks. In the evening, there’s a roaring fire in the 1614 Bar, where you can enjoy dinner with your dog nestled at your feet; www.theoldinn.com.
Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway, on the Shannon Blueway, is a 100-acre estate, the setting for 16 pet-friendly lodges. These have access to their own private area of woodland with 5km tracks and trails throughout the estate. A two-night midweek stay starts from €450; www.drumhiernyhideaway.ie.
Featured Image: “It’s A Dog’s Life” – a new offer from The Doyle Collection hotels in London.